You may have heard about WAT Den — the Mooloolaba bar, on the Sunshine Coast, punches well above its weight on both the Queensland and Australian bar scenes.
When I’ve visited in the past, during colder weather, the bar was like a bolt of energy in the otherwise sleepy beachside town: guests and bartenders alike were having a great time (I think it was a tequila night, so you know, there’s something to that too), and the drinks were as good as what you’ll find in the big cities. It’s a small bar doing the little things right.
It is also a regular fixture on the Boothby Best Bars Queensland Top 30.
I think part of what makes WAT Den vital is what makes all great bars more than the sum of their parts, and that’s the role they play in their local community. It’s when bars become a centre of gravity for people — as places of celebration, commiseration, for catching up and hanging out — that they become important in our lives. And it’s those bars that have the best chance for sticking around in the long run.
And WAT Den is big into community. Their annual Pride evening is coming up — it’s happening on Thursday 18 June, at 7pm — and it’s something important not just to the community on the Sunshine Coast, but also to bar manager Bri Reilly, as she talks about in the interview below.
“As a queer woman, finding Pride-based events can sometimes be difficult,” Bri says, “especially when it’s rare to have them held in a high-end space rather than hidden in a basement. We should be proud of who we are, no matter where we are.”
Let’s get into the chat with Bri below.
BOOTHBY: Can you describe how last year’s event went — what was the atmosphere like? How did it all go down?
BRI REILLY: Last year, Pride was unbelievable. The dream team slinging tins consisted of Leah Dunnigan, Marnie Bugeja, Harry Ling and Steph Jacobs. So, as I’m sure you can imagine, the energy was electric and the vibes were high. We had visitors from as far as Melbourne fly up to our little spot on the coast just to be there for the action. And, of course, the fabulous Vicki Cox’ard had us giggling and wow-ing all night with her stunning drag performances. Emceed by Corey Micheal, it was everything Pride needs to be, fun, hilarious and overwhelmingly accepting.
BOOTHBY: Can you tell us a little about each bartender and why you’re looking forward to seeing them in action?
BRI REILLY: Where do I start? Well, it’s safe to say Marnie is an absolute treasure to us at WAT Den. Her name here is Mezcal Marnie. She has been involved in every Pride night thus far, evening flying in from Black Pearl in Melbourne the last two years just to shake it up behind our bar, and it fills me with so much joy that we get to see her shine each year. Marnie is by far one of the funniest people I have ever met. Even when crafting truly delicious drinks, she manages to hold the attention of everyone in the room and is guaranteed to make you feel truly seen before you leave the bar.
Jacquelyn Roma is simply a perfectionist. I am so excited to see how Jac’s energy will transfer into our space. She is charismatic and fun while always maintaining high-end service and perfectly presented drinks.
TK Hewitt, from the iconic Dr Gimlette, is an absolute sweetheart with a plethora of classic cocktail knowledge. My first time being served by TK was actually with my mum and the legend somehow managed to get my mum drinking Martinis — truly a superpower only TK has.
Luke Sutcliffe is finally making his way to WAT Den and yes, we will be reuniting the dream team Cobbler pair — Marnie and Luke — behind the bar. It’s been a few years in the making but it’s time we all get to see that infectious friendship behind the bar again. Personally, I’m excited. Luke is the venue manager and whisky genius behind the bar at Cobbler. He is a wicked bartender and one of the most knowledgeable and cheeky bartenders I know.
BOOTHBY: What can people attending expect on the night?
BRI REILLY: On the night expect five fabulous cocktails all using Archie Rose spirits and each crafted by one of the bartenders taking over. You can expect iconic queer music, high energy and fabulous performances by Vicki Cox’ard, our iconic Canberra-based drag queen. Most of all get excited to see this incredible team of bartenders behind the bar — they all hold their own unique styles of hospitality and it is true magic watching them come together.
BOOTHBY: Why is it important to put this event on?
BRI REILLY: Not only is it time to show the Sunshine Coast what incredible bartenders are capable of, but it’s also so important to continue to create safe and welcoming spaces for all people — no matter your sexual orientation. As a queer woman, finding Pride-based events can sometimes be difficult, especially when it’s rare to have them held in a high-end space rather than hidden in a basement. We should be proud of who we are, no matter where we are. As for bartenders, I think it’s so important to show off the queer talent we are lucky to be around each day. Mooloolaba is a small town filled with so much beauty, love and camaraderie — this event is how we want to show it. So, whether you’re gay, straight or anything in between or around, this event is simply about love — showing it, supporting it and being proud of it.
BOOTHBY: For those who haven’t been to WAT Den, can you tell them what the big idea is behind the bar? How does it fit into the neighbourhood?
BRI REILLY: WAT Den is all about whisky and tequila – hence the name. We pride ourselves on warm hospitality, great drinks and being a place everyone can call home. Dean and Jeanelle Mariani started WAT Den just over three years ago after having two very cool bars in Melbourne, Polo Polo and Glamp. With everything they learned there, there was one thing they knew for sure, they both really like whisky and tequila. So, after a tasting at Savile Row [in Brisbane], they decided to have a crack with Felipe Bley.
What makes us different? What doesn’t. Mooloolaba is a beach town filled with pubs, surf clubs, coffee shops and early risers. We stay open, always until midnight, we have dim lighting and a literal den out the back. However, our outdoor area and staff is where the Sunny Coast vibes hit. Outside is a view of dolphins jumping and sunsets spanning the ocean. But our team is what makes us shine. Only a small group of seven now tightknit friends, our team manage to make everyone feel welcome. They are knowledgeable about their own passion subjects, whether it’s whisky, cocktails, tequila, rum or just fun facts, our staff always have something fun to teach you. It’s our staff that make us shine.
